After a gap of eight years, the ICC Champions Trophy is set to return in a hybrid format, with Pakistan and the UAE hosting games between February 19 and March 9, 2025.
There have been eight editions of the Champions Trophy held so far, with Australia and India leading the pack with two titles apiece.
Here is a list of players who have missed out on winning the ICC Champions Trophy title:
AB de Villiers – One of the best ODI batters of his generation with close to 10,000 runs in the format, de Villiers was part of a golden South African generation that always fell short of winning an ICC tournament.
Kane Williamson – Until its success in the inaugural World Test Championship, the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000 was New Zealand’s only ICC honour. The current generation of Kiwi cricketers, including former skipper Kane Williamson, continue to wait for a limited-overs title.
Eoin Morgan – England broke its 50-over World Cup jinx with an inspirational yet slightly controversial victory against New Zealand in 2019 under skipper Morgan. The skipper, who is credited with turning around the country’s fortunes with some attacking cricket, unfortunately missed out on tasting success in the Champions Trophy.
Shahid Afridi – Pakistan’s third-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, Afridi had a storied career in the limited-overs format, which included some mighty hits, quickfire centuries, and a few retirement announcements. The all-rounder, who led Pakistan from the front during its 2009 T20 World Cup win, however, ended his career without a Champions Trophy title.
Steve Smith – From a leg-spinner to a consistent middle-order batter, Steve Smith has been a vital cog in the Australian side that won two World Cups in a decade. With over 5,600 runs and 12 centuries to his name, the 35-year-old will look to cap his 50-over career with another ICC title in the bag.